EDITORIAL: The 40/40 Prayer Vigil

A call for Southern Baptists and other beievers to engage in 40 days of prayer beginning in late September has been issued by the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board and Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.

The 40/40 Prayer Vigil for spiritual revival and renewal is a national initiative sponsored by NAMB and ERLC.

The 40/40 Prayer Vigil consists of 40 days of prayer from Sept. 24 to Nov. 2, culminating in 40 hours of around the clock intercession during the last three days of the vigil. The vigil focuses first on personal spiritual revival, then covers an expanding circle of prayer concerns, from the church to the nation.

The Baptist Messenger fully supports the efforts of the Southern Baptist entities organizing the 40/40 Prayer Vigil. We believe anyone with a burden for revival among God’s people and for the future of our nation should participate in the 40/40 Prayer Vigil.

We strongly encourage church members, pastors, staff and entire churches to pray about participating in the 40/40 Prayer Vigil. All of the resources needed for participating are available at www.ilivevalues.com/prayer. The Web site is the central point of contact for those participating in the vigil.

The Vigil Web site provides:

A place to register your commitment to participate in the vigil.

An extensive downloadable prayer guide that provides:

_ One page for each day or hour of the vigil.

_ A unique prayer theme for each day or hour of the vigil

_ Bible passages on which to reflect and meditate to prepare the heart, mind and spirit for prayer time.

Seven unique prayer points for each day or hour of the vigil.

News and notices about the vigil.

A daily prayer request option.

A blog to interact with others participating in the vigil.

There are at least three ways to participate in the vigil.

1. Pray for 40 days, Sept. 24-Nov. 2.

2. Pray for 40 hours, Oct. 31, 4 p.m. to Nov. 2, 8 a.m. A special 40 Hour Prayer Guide is available to support this option.

3. Combine the two: Begin Sept. 24 and pray each day for 37 days, then culminate the vigil with 40 hours of prayer during the last three days of the vigil, from Oct. 31, 4 p.m. to Nov. 2, 8 a.m.

The 40 Day Prayer Guide can be used for either the 40 day option or the combination option.

We believe NAMB President Geoff Hammond and ERLC President Richard Land have every right to be hopeful that the 40/40 Prayer Vigil for Spiritual Revival and National Renewal will pay spiritual dividends for families, churches and the nation.

We like the idea of every Oklahoma Southern Baptist church giving serious consideration to dedicating the worship service on Nov. 2 to spiritual revival and national renewal.

The 40/40 Prayer Vigil for spiritual revival and renewal is an excellent opportunity for Oklahoma Baptists to enter into a time of personal spiritual revival as well as praying for God to bring revival and renewal to our nation.

Now is the time to invite every member of your church to join the 40/40 Prayer Vigil. Visit www.ilivevalues.com/prayer and join thousands of your fellow Southern Baptists in prayer for revival and renewal.

Translator

Messenger Staff

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